Electric meter.



No. 63l,225. Patented Aug. I5, I899. G. F. PACKARD.

ELECTRIC METER.

(Application filed Oct. 10, 1598. (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet I,

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No. 63|,225. Patented Aug. l5, I899. G. F. PACKARD.

ELECTRIC METER.

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(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sh6et 2,

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No. s3|,225. Patented Aug. l5, I899. a. F. PACKARD.

ELECTRIC METER.

(Application filed Oct. 10, 1399.

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UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE.

GRANVILLE FREDERICK PACKARD, OF FORT IVAYNE, INDIANA.

ELECTRIC METER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 631,225, datd August15, 1899 Application filed 0ctolie1'10,l898.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GRANVILLE FREDERICK PACKARD, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Fort \Vayne, in the county of Allen, in the State ofIndiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in ElectricMeters; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, andexact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled inthe art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in electric meters for measuringthe energy consumed in alternating electric circuits and relates to thatclass in which arotary armature is set in motion by the inductive actionof two or more fields of differing phase.

The object of my present invention is to provide an induction-motormeter of simple and economical construction and increased efiiciency,adapted to dispense with all iron and windings within the armature,possessingimproved means of regulation andanovel calibrating device ofgreat simplicity, and adapted to employ removable and machinewound coilsand to produce a given torque with a reduced expenditure of energy.

The principal novel features of my present invention are the form andarrangement of the mult-ipolar field-magnet frame adapted to permit theemployment of a large variety of means for regulating the torque of therevoluble armature, an improved torque-regulator for calibrating, amagnetic calibrating device for use in connection with a magnetic drag,the elimination from the meter of all magnetic iron except thefield-magnet frame, and my improved method of producing rotation in therevoluble armature.

The principal operative elements in my invention are, a five-polefield-magnet frame on which are mounted the main-circuit and shunt coilsin inductive relation to the revoluble armature,a revoluble metallicar1nature,preferably of aluminium, adapted to be actuated by the saidcoils, a torque-regulator of novel construction, a micrometriccalibrating device, and an improved means for supporting thefield-magnet frame and for securing its Serial No. 693,082. (No man.)

componentlaminze by which local currents in the said frame are obviated.

Similar reference letters and numerals indicate like parts throughoutthe several views of the accompanying drawings, in which- Figures 1, 2,and 3 are diagrammatic Views of my invention, showing the preferredarrangement of the shunt and main circuit coils and also showing variousmeans for Varying the relative field strength of the induced poles S andN Fig. 4 is a similar view showing secondary means for varying therelative field strength of the said induced poles. Fig. 5 is a similarview showing a modified relative arrangement of the cylindrical armatureand field-magnet frame. Fig. 6 is a similar view showing a modifiedarrangement of the energizing-coils specially adapted for three-wiresystems of distribution. Fig. 7 is a similar view with one of the polarprojections omitted and shows the relative arrangement of thetorque-regulator. Fig. 8 is adetailside view of my improvedtorque-regulator. Fig. 9 is a plan view of my improved magneticcalibrating device, showing its position relative to the twomagnet-poles N and S. Fig. 10 is a front elevation of my calibratingdevice. Fig. 11 is a front elevation of an approved form of myinvention. Fig. 12is a diagrammatic view showing a modified form of myfive-polar system by a modified form of the field-magnet frame and amodified arrangement of one of the energizing-coils.

My improvement is detachably mounted upon any suitable base 1, Fig. 11,which is preferably a part of a proper containing-case of common form.In this base 1 the upright posts or standards 2 are rigidly mounted by ascrew-threaded connection. These posts 2 have their upper ends reducedto be received by the apertured diametric ears 5', Fig. 7 of thelaminated field-magnet frame for the support of said frame. The saidposts are also provided with the shoulders 2, upon which the said framerests. Upon the upright boss 7 of said base 1 is mounted a hollow cap 8,containing a screw-plug and a jeweled screw, (not shown,) altogetherforming a jewel-bearing fully shown and described in a former patentissued to me for an electric meter, numbered 587,015 and dated July 27,1807, and

therefore requiring no detailed description here. In this jewel-bearingthe pointed lower end of the upright revoluble armature-shaft 0 isloosely mounted, the upperend of said shaft being operatively connectedwith a proper registering-train 10. At a suitable point on said shaft 9is rigidly fixed by a set-screw or other ro er manner a sleeve 27 havin3 0 upon its upper end an integral annularflange upon which the armature11 is properly fixed, the said armature being preferably closed at itslower end. The said armature is thus conveniently reversible, as thesaid annular flange is secured to the outer face of said closed lowerend. To the base 1 are secured by proper screws the holding-clamps 15,in which are rigidly mounted the permanent magnets 16, between theadjacent poles of which is arranged a retarding-disk 17, which isrigidly fixed to the said shaft 9 in the same manner as the saidarmature above described. At a suitable point on the said base 1 isarranged an integral upright lug 19, having a screwthreaded opening inits upper end. In this screw-threaded opening is mounted anexternally-screw-threaded rod 20, constituting a magnetic calibratingdevice capable of a micrometric adjustment and adapted for sh un tingthe flux of the permanent magnets. In an extension 28 of the saidfield-magnet frame 0 is pivotally mounted a U-shaped supporting-arm 18,Figs. 7, 8, and 11, having upon its screw-threaded outer end aholding-nut 23 and a pin 22, adapted to limit the downward movement ofsaid end. The other end of said arm is rigidly secured in the upper endof a solid metallic conducting-cylinder 21, which is thus suspended orarranged within the said armature and adjacent to the poles S? and Mthus constituting a torque-regulator adapted to counteract thewell-known tendency of the armature to run too slowly upon light loads.This regulator is horizontally adjustable about a vertical axis, asdescribed. The laminated field-magnet frame or yoke is horseshoe-shapedor segmental in form and is provided upon its inner perimeter with aplurality of polar projections, upon which are wound or mounted theenergizingcoils. The mere form or contour of this frame 6 is immaterial,and may be rectangular, as in Fig. 3, or any other form desired, theessence of my present invention residing in a construction andarrangement whereby a five-pole magnetic system is secured.

The series coil 14 is either mounted upon the polar projection N, Figs.1 to 5, inclusive, or it may be so arranged as to establish a pole N, asseen in Figs. Tand 12, or two alternate series coils may be employed toestablish the poles N and S as shown in Fig. 6. This latter form isespecially adapted for use in threewire systems of distribution.

The closed secondary 13 is mounted either one or both of the polar and Nas shown in Figs. 3, 6,

upon projections S 7, 11, and 12,

for the purpose of varying the torque of the armature in awell-understood manner.

The secondary windings 25, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, connected to suitableresistances R, R and R are employed as alternative means for governingthe relative field strength of the poles S" and N An axially-adj ustablesecondary 24; may be employed with equal elliciency instead of theabove-described torque-regulator.

In Fig. 5 is shown a simple and etficient means for producing aninequality in the field strength of the poles at S and N, consisting ofa folding back or removal of a portion of the laminae composing one ofthe said poles, whereby the armature-torque is augmented.

The operation of my invention thus described is briefly stated asfollows: I secure an accurate registration of the energy consumed bycombining the variable torque due to a main-circuit field upon one sideof the armature with a constant torque due to an asymetric field uponanother part thereof. The effect of thus combining the constant with thevariable torque is to produce a resultant turning moment which will notbe strictly proportional to the energy consumed, but which will bestrongest In proportion upon light loads. The necessity of such anarrangement is obvious on account of the wellknown tendency of a meterto under-register upon light loads.

The five-pole form of field-magnet frame, which I claim as my invention,adapts itself readily to a large variety of means by which the resultreferred to may be obtained, and on the first sheet of drawings of thisapplication I have shown five distinct methods whereby the relativestrength of the adjacent poles N and S may be varied, thus creating anunbalanced or asymetric field. Those skilled in the art will recognizepoles N and S to be induced and of alternate polarity by virtue of theircontiguous position and polar relation to poles S and N and will alsoperceive that if a strict balance of magnetic stress obtains in theinduced poles there will be no eifective torque at no load, owing to theequilibrium of the opposing turning moments produced upon the armatureby the poles N and S. It will also be apparent that if any means areemployed by which a difference of phase or an inequality of fieldstrength in the poles N and S is created an effective turning moment isproduced onthe armature.

My improved meter operates bythe simultaneous attraction and repulsionof the eddycurrent field or fields established in a revoluble metallicarmature by the inducing field or fields.

In the five-pole magnet-frame for wattmeters, modifications of which Ihave shown, I prefer to place the shunt-coils 12 one on each side of amain-circuit coil 14, the said shuntcoils producing alternate polarityin their respective poles. This specific arrangement and connectiongives an ideal phase condition, producing a high self-inductive effectand lagging current in the shunt-coils and a current in the main-circuitcoil practically coincident with the impressed electromotive force. Forcertain conditions, however, as in the case of a three-wire meter, it ispreferable to locate the shunt-winding between two alternatemain-circuit coils.

The direct function of my cylindric torqueregulator is to produce aninequality in the field strength of the two induced poles S and N thesaid inequality producing a constant augmentation of thearmature-torque. It is to secure this asymmetry of the magnetic fieldupon one side of the armature that I have devised special methodsapplicable to my im proved five-pole form of field-magnet. Asa means forproducing an asymmetric field upon one side of the armature I do notwish to limit myself to the means herein described;

but I claim as my own the special arrange ments for producingfield-asymmetry which are shown in the first sheet appendednamely, byuse of variable resistance and in Fig. 5 by laying back or entirelyremoving a portion of the laminze which constitute the magnet-frame.

\Vhile nearly any form of secondary would be effective as a regulator, Iprefer for the purpose a solid sphere or vertical cylinder, for thereason that the currents induced in these forms are proportional to theintercepted flux, while in the conventional forms of secondary thiscondition obtains only as we assume a fixed position relative to thedirection of the magnetic flux.

Obviously the means shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3 for controlling therelative field strength of poles N and S are adapted when desired toregulate the armature-torque ata distance.

Having thus described my invention, what I desire to secure by LettersPatent, is-

1. In an electric meter or motive device for alternating currents, alaminated field-magnet structure comprising five polar projectionsintegral with a magnetic yoke.

2. In an electric meter for alternating currents, a laminatedfield-magnet structure comprising a segmental magnetic yoke having fiveintegral polar projections; in combination with a cylindrical metallicarmature in inductive relation to the said polar projections;arecordingmechanism; andamagnetic retarding device.

In an electric wattmeter for alternating currents, the combination witha cylindrical aluminium armature; a magnetic retarding device; and aregistering -train, of a fieldmagnet structure comprisinga magnetic yokehaving five integral inwardly-pointing polar projections; shunt-coilsupon two alternate projections; a main-circuit-wound pole between thetwo shunt-wound poles; and an axially adjustable closed secondarysupported within the armature adapted to intercept a portion of themagnetism emanating from one or both of the unwound poles.

4. In a recording-wattmeter for alternating currents, aregistering-train; a magnetic retarding device; and a five-pole magneticsystem having a single pole established by a main-circuit coil, twoalternate poles of opposite sign embraced by shunt-coils, two adjacentinduced poles, one of which is embraced by a closed secondary, and aconducting-mass or closed secondary adjustably supported within thearmature in the path of the magnetic flux and adapted to govern therelative field strength of the said induced poles.

5. In an alternating-current meter, a regulator, adapted to counteractthe tendency of an armature to run too slowly upon light loads,comprising essentially a solid, vertical, conducting-cylinder or closedsecondary mounted directly upon one end of a U-shaped supporting-arm,the said cylinder arranged within the armature, being adjustable about avertical axis without the armature.

6. In an alternating-current meter or motive device of the classdescribed, a regulator, adapted to impart to the armature a torqueorcounter-torque, comprising a U shaped metallic rod provided with aconducting-cylinder or closed secondary upon one end and means forsecuring the same in position.

7. In an alternate-current wattmeter, the combination with a revolublemetallic armature, of a five-pole field-magnet having two alternateshunt-wound poles of unlike sign, asingle main-circuit-wound polebetween the shunt-wound poles and two adjacent poles of unlike signs;all the poles being related inductively to the said armature.

S. In a recordin g-wattmeter for alternating currents a magnetic systemadapted to actuate a cylindrical metallic armature, the said systemcomprising a single main circuitwound pole, on each side of which is ashuntwound pole; two adjacent, induced poles of unlike signs; means forgoverning the relative field strength of the said induced polesconsisting in the use of a closed secondary adjustably mounted withinthe armature-shell, and adapted to intercept a portion of the fluxemanating from one or both of the said induced poles.

9. In a recording-wattmeter for alternate currents, the combination witha revoluble, cylindrical, metallic armature and magnetic retardingdevice of a magnetic system comprising a magnetic field of forceestablished by the main circuit on each side of which is ashunt-generated field of force; a pair of adjacent induced poles ofalternate polarity located between the said shunt-generated fields offorce; and means for governing the relative strength of said inducedpoles consisting in the employment of a conducting mass or closedsecondary adjustably mounted within the armature-shell and adapted tointercept a portion of the magnetic ll u: emanating from one or both ofthe said induced poles.

10. In a recording-Wattmetcr for alternating currents a five-polelaminated, field-magnet structure energized by shunt and maincircuitsources two of Whose alternate poles are excited from one source, one ofWhose poles is energized from the alternative source, two of whose polesare induced by contiguity with energized coils and means for disturbingthe magnetic equilibrium, in the said induced poles; in combination witha revoluble, metallic armature, inductively related to all of the saidpoles; a magnetic retarding device and a recording mechanism.

11. The combination, in a recording-wattmeter for alternating currents,of an adjustable magnetic retarding device; recording mechanism; and arcvoluble metallic armature; with a magnetic system energized by shuntand main-circuit sources comprising a magnetic field established by oneof the said sources, on each side of which is a magnetic fieldestablished by the alternative source; 1 two adjacent poles, polarizedby contignity with energized coils and means for destroying the magneticequilibrium of the said adjacent poles.

12. The process of producing rotation in a revoluble metallic armaturefor motor-meters, consisting in the employment of a pair ofalternatelylocated and alternately-polarized magnetic fields, the saidfields combining with. a directly-energized coil or pole-piece upon oneside of the said pair and an asymmetrical magnetic field upon the otherside thereof, to produce separate turning movements wherehy the saidarmature is caused to rotate.

13; In an electric meter, a horiz0ntally-adjustablc screw-threaded barof magnetic material mounted or arranged in operative relation to thepoles of the retarding magnet or magnets for the purpose of diverting aportion of the magnetic flux thereof.

Signed by meat Fort Wayne, Allen county, State of Indiana, this 7th dayof October, A. D. 1898.

G. FREDERICK PACKARD.

Witnesses:

M. G. WEBBER, ADELAIDE KEARNS.

